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Microplastics in freshwaters: are benthic invertebrates at risk?
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This study found that polyethylene microbeads in sediment reduced the growth and development of the aquatic invertebrate Gammarus fossarum over a 28-day exposure. The results add to evidence that microplastic contamination in freshwater sediments can harm bottom-dwelling invertebrates that form the base of food webs.
Microplastics contamination is an increasing environmental problem in freshwater ecosystems, with environmentally consequences as severe as in marine environments. However, studies on the ecological impact of such particles in these ecosystems remain scarce. Here, we show that sediments contaminated with polyethylene microbeads (sized 48 µm) led to a decrease in the growth and development of the dipteran C riparius which led to a delay in emergence of adult insects Furthermore, a 48 h exposure triggered an activation of immune system, induced oxidative damage, and altered energy metabolism. These findings highlight the potential deleterious effects of small sized microplastics 50 µm), at environmental relevant concentrations 1 2 g MPs/Kg sediment w/w), to C riparius and eventually to other benthic macroinvertebrate species.
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Environmentally relevant concentrations of polyethylene microplastics negatively impact the survival, growth and emergence of sediment-dwelling invertebrates
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Researchers exposed sediment-dwelling invertebrates, including midges and worms, to environmentally realistic concentrations of polyethylene microplastics and found significant reductions in survival, growth, and emergence rates. The study provides evidence that even at concentrations currently found in freshwater sediments, microplastics can negatively affect benthic organisms that play key roles in ecosystem functioning.
The ecotoxicological impact of microplastics on freshwater invertebrates
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This review summarizes the ecotoxicological effects of microplastics on freshwater invertebrates, finding evidence of harm including reduced feeding, growth, and reproduction across multiple species. Because invertebrates are key links in food webs, these effects could have broader consequences for freshwater ecosystems.
Microplastics affect assimilation efficiency in the freshwater amphipod Gammarus fossarum
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Researchers examined how two types of microplastics affect the freshwater amphipod Gammarus fossarum. The study found that microplastic exposure reduced assimilation efficiency in these invertebrates, indicating that microplastic ingestion can interfere with nutrient uptake and energy processing in freshwater organisms.
Microplastic Effect Thresholds for Freshwater Benthic Macroinvertebrates
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Researchers conducted the first study to determine microplastic effect thresholds across six freshwater benthic invertebrate species using a wide range of concentrations. In standardized 28-day bioassays with polystyrene microplastics mixed into sediment, they found no significant effects on survival, growth, reproduction, or feeding in most species even at high concentrations. The results suggest that for these organisms, the direct physical effects of microplastics at environmentally realistic levels may be limited.
Food availability is crucial for effects of 1-μm polystyrene beads on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in freshwater sediments
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Researchers found that the effects of polystyrene microplastics on the nematode C. elegans in freshwater sediments depended critically on food availability, with negative impacts on reproduction only emerging under low-food conditions.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.